Last Wednesday, June 12, the Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked the Merchant Vessel Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk cargo carrier while sailing in the southern Red Sea.
The Houthi’s were known to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza by its constant missile and drone attacks against ships. However, in the case of the MV Tutor, they were just sailing abound for Egypt when the rebels decided to make the move against them.
Consequentially, 21 out of 22 Filipinos were rescued and later on arrived in the Philippines.
The whereabouts of the missing crew member was then monitored by officials as it raised concern. Search operations for the seafarer was conducted once the ship is taken to port, said Philippine Ambassador Giovanni Palec.
Meanwhile, The United States Central Command described the Houthi’s actions to be maligned and reckless which resulted to threatening regional stability, and endangering the lives of seafarers.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to confirm the reported death of the then missing Filipino crew member.
